Syndicate

The UAE Arabian Derby, a 2200m Prestige race for four-year-olds, was the highlight at Abu Dhabi on Sunday evening and was won impressively by Tenor Des Vialettes.

Richard Hills was in the saddle for his main employer, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum on the horse having only his third start and recording a second successive victory.

Trained by Musabah Al Muhairi, he clearly pleased Hills who said: "He has only had those two previous starts and is still learning; when I asked him to go for home he was rather green and took a while to respond so hopefully he can get better with experience as he strengthens up."‬‬‪‪

Racing concluded with a 1600m maiden, the only Thoroughbred contest on the card and trainer Al Muhairi was able to complete a double with stable jockey Wayne Smith in the saddle on Penthouse Reader who was losing his maiden tag at the seventh attempt.

Never far off the pace, Smith's mount was ridden to lead close home and the jockey said: "The horses have been in good form and we hoped this horse would cope with the switch to turf. He has improved with his racing and can hopefully pick up a small handicap."‬‬‪‪

The 1600m Abu Dhabi Fillies' Classic provided the Gill Duffield-trained Al Alriaah the perfect opportunity to lose her maiden tag at the third attempt and she stormed clear under Tadhg O'Shea.

Runner-up on both her previous starts, she was able to gain revenge on both the fillies who had beaten her previously to the delight of O'Shea who said: "She is certainly improving judged on that effort and Gill has her horses in great form. It was a decent little contest and a good performance."‬‬‪‪

The opening 1000m maiden was won in style by Swyft making his debut for trainer Salem Al Ketbi under Chris Taylor.

It was a very impressive debut from this full-brother to 2009 Group One Dubai Kahayla Classic winner Fryvolous and Taylor said: "He took a while to get going but we always thought he was a horse with plenty of ability. He should be able to build on this."‬‬‪‪

Motsho Belle was a surprise winner of the 2200m conditions race in which he made virtually all under Rory Cleary for trainer Bakhit Al Ketbi.‬‬‪‪

The 2200m handicap was won by Baher who made all under apprentice Wencelas Walter for trainer Eric Lemartinel who said: "He is not the easiest horse and he has given him a great ride."‬‬